Helping Writers Become Authors

Today, I'm excited to put an end to the guessing about the "Big Secret" and unveil a new resource for authors. The official Story Structure Database.

The ironic thing about about complex characters in fiction is that the essence of what makes them so wonderfully complicated is actually incredibly simple.

In the time it takes to write two words, you might distance readers from your narrative. Luckily, this one of our common writing mistakes is an easy fix.

Discover how a good story premise can help you eliminate structural weaknesses and create a valuable tool for outlining and pitching your novel.

The length of the timeline is an important factor in any story. Take a moment to consider just how much time your story should cover.

What makes a great climactic setting? Consider five important techniques for making the most of the setting in your story's climax.

One of the easiest writing mistakes to fall into in your book endings is actually one that has much to do with book beginnings--and, indeed, the entirety of your book.

Go beyond the vague sense that's something wrong with your story and use these five tips to figure out what your writing weaknesses are.

If you can identify on-the-nose dialogue and learn how to replace it with rich undercurrents of subtext, you're on your way to becoming a master author.

As we continue to discuss the most common writing mistakes, we'd be remiss to leave out the all-too-prevalent faux pas of unnecessary filler or padding.

When figuring out how to pitch your novel, you may realize your story's hook and its heart might not be compatible within such a short description.